Not currently on display at the V&A

Lyceum/Pantomime

Drawing
1916-7 (drawn)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. The image is signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7.

Between 1909 and 1938 the Lyceum Theatre was run by the Melville Brothers, Walter (1875-1937) and Frederick (1876-1938). During this period the theatre established a reputation for staging some of the West End’s premier pantomimes, rivalling those staged at the traditional home of pantomime, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Many of the elaborate pantomimes staged at the Lyceum during this period were written by Frederick Melville. They were often written in rhyming couplets, with deliberately dreadful puns. As well as seeking to restore the narrative elements of pantomime, the Melvilles recognised the importance of spectacle, investing in stunning scenery and costumes. They also indulged in a great deal of “Slap-stick” and the comedians they employed specialised in plate-smashing, messy cake-making in the palace kitchens, and very messy “papering the parlour” scenes.




Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleLyceum/Pantomime (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Pen and ink on card
Brief description
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Mother Goose at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7, signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7
Physical description
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. It shows a large goose, the goose is being clasped tightly by a woman, positioned on the left hand side of the sketch, whilst two men pull hard at its tail feathers. The image is signed by the artist, E.P.Kinsella, in the bottom left hand corner, 1916-7.
Dimensions
  • Height: 37.8cm
  • Width: 27.3cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • "Lyceum/Mother Goose" (Handwritten annotation in ink)
  • "E.P.Kinsella" (Handwritten artist's signature in the bottom left hand corner)
  • Transliteration
Credit line
Given by Andrew Melville
Place depicted
Literary referenceMother Goose
Summary
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. The image is signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7.

Between 1909 and 1938 the Lyceum Theatre was run by the Melville Brothers, Walter (1875-1937) and Frederick (1876-1938). During this period the theatre established a reputation for staging some of the West End’s premier pantomimes, rivalling those staged at the traditional home of pantomime, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Many of the elaborate pantomimes staged at the Lyceum during this period were written by Frederick Melville. They were often written in rhyming couplets, with deliberately dreadful puns. As well as seeking to restore the narrative elements of pantomime, the Melvilles recognised the importance of spectacle, investing in stunning scenery and costumes. They also indulged in a great deal of “Slap-stick” and the comedians they employed specialised in plate-smashing, messy cake-making in the palace kitchens, and very messy “papering the parlour” scenes.


Collection
Accession number
S.76-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJanuary 9, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest